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© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Simple Summary

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, has infected many different animal species, including those housed in zoos around the world. This review analyzes reports of SARS-CoV-2 infections in zoo animals to understand which species are susceptible and what symptoms may be observed in these species. A variety of diagnostic and sampling methods are discussed, as well as available treatment options. Moreover, this review discusses the factors involved in transmission of the virus and assesses the risk of virus transmission from people to animals and from animals to people. Part of this risk may lie in the occurrence of mutations in different animal species, that could potentially spill back to humans. An emphasis is put on disease monitoring and biosecurity measures in order to minimize the risk of disease to both people and animals.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in a zoological institution were initially reported in March 2020. Since then, at least 94 peer-reviewed cases have been reported in zoos worldwide. Among the affected animals, nonhuman primates, carnivores, and artiodactyls appear to be most susceptible to infection, with the Felidae family accounting for the largest number of reported cases. Clinical symptoms tend to be mild across taxa; although, certain species exhibit increased susceptibility to disease. A variety of diagnostic tools are available, allowing for initial diagnostics and for the monitoring of infectious risk. Whilst supportive therapy proves sufficient in most cases, monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as a promising additional treatment option. Effective transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in some species raises concerns over potential spillover and the formation of reservoirs. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in a variety of animal species may contribute to the emergence of variants of concern due to altered viral evolutionary constraints. Consequently, this review emphasizes the need for effective biosecurity measures and surveillance strategies to prevent and control SARS-CoV-2 infections in zoological institutions.

Details

Title
Perspectives on SARS-CoV-2 Cases in Zoological Institutions
Author
Nederlof, Remco A 1 ; Melissa A de la Garza 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Bakker, Jaco 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Independent Researcher, 2861 XZ Bergambacht, The Netherlands; [email protected] 
 Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA 
 Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands 
First page
78
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
23067381
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2931066575
Copyright
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.